Ban Talae Nok Coastal Village
Andaman Sea Cultural Exchange3 Day / 2 Nights
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 – Khao Lak – Ban Talae Nok
- Pick up from your hotel in Khao Lak and drive north to Ban Tale Nok in Ranong Province.
- Meet the villagers and take a walking tour of the village. Learn how the 2004 Andaman Tsunami effected the area.
- Learn how to dye fabric using traditional Batik skills. Use melted wax to create unique patterns and pictures.
- Have a go at weaving Nypa Palm fronds to make traditional roof tiles.
- Watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, while enjoying a delicious barbeque dinner with your new friends.
- Spend the night in the village homestay.
Includes: insurance, accommodation, transfers, local guide, lunch, dinner, activities as listed, drinks on tour
Day 2 – Ban Talae Nok – Koh Kam Archipelago
- After breakfast head out on a longtail boat to explore the mangrove forests surrounding the village.
- Head out to the beautiful Koh Kam archipelago. Swim in the turquoise sea. On clear days it is also possible to snorkel.
- Stop for a picnic lunch on the beautiful white sandy beach.
- Return to the village, and join with the village women in making hand-made soaps.
- Enjoy another amazing sunset on the beach, or help the villagers prepare dinner.
- Try on traditional Thai Muslim clothing and learn about the local cultures before bed.
Includes: insurance, accommodation, local guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, activities as listed, drinks on tour, National Park fees
*The Koh Kam islands are open only between November and April. If it is not possible to visit the islands the program will be adapted to include extended mangrove sightseeing.
Day 3 – Ban Talae Nok
- Have breakfast in the village and take a walk up to the village school, for a stunning panoramic view.
- Learn how to make traditional local deserts using grilled coconut.
- Enjoy one last lunch with your new friends before moving on to your next destination.
Includes: insurance, breakfast, lunch, activities as listed, drinks on tour
An Amazing Thailand Experience
Standard Package 3 Days / 2 Nights
*This experience is operated by Andaman Discoveries. Additional terms & conditions apply.
Travel with local people
The Ban Talae Nok Community Tourism Project is a sustainable tourism initiative located in Ranong, Thailand. It is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Chao Lay people, also known as the “Sea People” who live along the coast of the Andaman Sea. The project offers visitors an authentic and immersive experience in this vibrant coastal community.
The residents of Ban Talae Nok are predominantly Muslim Chao Lay decendants, who have a deep connection to the sea and a rich maritime history. While their exact ancestral origins may vary, they share many cultural affinities with the Moken and Moklen communities of sea gypsies. The project celebrates and showcases the unique traditions, lifestyle, and customs of the Chao Lay people.
By participating in the Ban Talae Nok Community Tourism Project, visitors have the opportunity to engage with the Chao Lay community and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Homestay accommodations allow guests to experience the warm hospitality of local families, while cultural activities provide insights into traditional practices such as fishing, boat building, and handicrafts.
The project also offers guided tours and activities that highlight the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can explore the enchanting mangrove forests, embark on snorkeling adventures, and take traditional boat tours, all while learning about the Chao Lay’s sustainable practices and their efforts to protect the marine environment.
Through tourism, the Ban Talae Nok Community Tourism Project contributes to the economic empowerment of the Chao Lay community. It provides alternative sources of income, preserves their cultural heritage, and fosters a sense of pride among community members. The project serves as an inspiring example of sustainable tourism, showcasing how responsible travel can support local communities and cultural preservation while minimizing ecological impacts.
The Ban Talae Nok Community Tourism Project invites visitors to experience the vibrant Chao Lay culture, immerse themselves in the coastal lifestyle, and appreciate the profound connection between the community and their marine environment.
- Cultural exchange
- Experience village life
- Stunning natural environment
From Khao Lak, it is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to the village of Ban Talae Nok. When you arrive you will be met by your village guides and hosts for your stay. They will take you on a walking tour of the village and tell you a bit about the village history and how the village was affected by the tsunami in 2004.
The villagers use melted wax too create beautiful patterns and pictures on fabrics. These fabrics are often made into clothing or sold as decorations. This is your opportunity to get artistic and create your own Batik masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.
A key skill that has been passed down through the generations, is the ability to weave Nypa Palm fronds into natural roof tiles. Your village guides will teach you this vital skill, and you can be sure that your tiles will be used as part of an upcoming project within the local area.
After a busy first day, it is time to kick back and relax with a mouth-watering barbeque on the beach as the sun slowly sinks into the Andaman Sea.
Travel is about new experiences
The following morning it is time to jump aboard the traditional longtail boat, and head out to explore the mangroves. This amazing and essential eco-system provides food, shelter and income for the villagers. As you cruise along the twisting rivers and out to sea, it is common to see monkeys, otters and birds in the trees.
During the dry season, it is possible to take the boat out to the uninhabited Kam Islands. This stunning group of islands remains unknown by most tourists. The idyllic white sandy topical beaches and azure waters are the perfect place to unwind.
Upon your return to the village, there is the chance to join in with the village women as they make soap. The village women hand make soaps that you can take home with you as a souvenir of your time in the village. As the evening draws in, you can choose to enjoy another beautiful sunset, or learn the essentials of Thai cooking while you help prepare dinner.
After dinner is the chance to try on some traditional Thai-Muslim outfits, share stories with your hosts and learn more about the villager’s ancient culture.
On your final day in the village, it is well worth a walk up to the village school where there is a stunning panoramic view. Your hosts will then teach you how to make traditional Thai desserts out of grilled coconut. All too soon it is time to say goodbye to your new friends and head on towards your next adventure.
Visit national park khao sok
We did 2 trips:
– national park khao sok – james bond islands Both trips were excellent and tailormade to our requests. Because of the low season we could create our own trip and discovery would make it happen. Would book again and suggest to others.
- Cultural exchange
- Experience village life
- Stunning natural environment
From Khao Lak, it is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to the village of Ban Talae Nok. When you arrive you will be met by your village guides and hosts for your stay. They will take you on a walking tour of the village and tell you a bit about the village history and how the village was affected by the tsunami in 2004.
The villagers use melted wax too create beautiful patterns and pictures on fabrics. These fabrics are often made into clothing or sold as decorations. This is your opportunity to get artistic and create your own Batik masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.
A key skill that has been passed down through the generations, is the ability to weave Nypa Palm fronds into natural roof tiles. Your village guides will teach you this vital skill, and you can be sure that your tiles will be used as part of an upcoming project within the local area.
After a busy first day, it is time to kick back and relax with a mouth-watering barbeque on the beach as the sun slowly sinks into the Andaman Sea.
Travel is about new experiences
The following morning it is time to jump aboard the traditional longtail boat, and head out to explore the mangroves. This amazing and essential eco-system provides food, shelter and income for the villagers. As you cruise along the twisting rivers and out to sea, it is common to see monkeys, otters and birds in the trees.
During the dry season, it is possible to take the boat out to the uninhabited Kam Islands. This stunning group of islands remains unknown by most tourists. The idyllic white sandy topical beaches and azure waters are the perfect place to unwind.
Upon your return to the village, there is the chance to join in with the village women as they make soap. The village women hand make soaps that you can take home with you as a souvenir of your time in the village. As the evening draws in, you can choose to enjoy another beautiful sunset, or learn the essentials of Thai cooking while you help prepare dinner.
After dinner is the chance to try on some traditional Thai-Muslim outfits, share stories with your hosts and learn more about the villager’s ancient culture.
On your final day in the village, it is well worth a walk up to the village school where there is a stunning panoramic view. Your hosts will then teach you how to make traditional Thai desserts out of grilled coconut. All too soon it is time to say goodbye to your new friends and head on towards your next adventure.
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